Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Tutorials & "How To’s" ... => Topic started by: jaybeedee on September 25, 2009, 04:15:32 pm

Title: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: jaybeedee on September 25, 2009, 04:15:32 pm

After reading the posts re shaft lubrication, the question is grease or oil. Well I was watching someone 'top-up' a small reservoir with oil at the pond recently. Very quick and easy - the oil then obviously drains slowly through a hole into the shaft. (Lasts about one hour continuos running he said). Question - are such oiling tubes made or bought?
jaybeedee

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: boatmadman on September 25, 2009, 04:44:22 pm

Always been a bit concerned about oilers on models, we often sail in very public areas where there are ducks etc. The point is, where does the oil end up? Some of it must get into the water.

I always use phosphour bronze bushes, which lubricate ok with water. Have never yet had to replace a bushor shaft in over 10yrs of modelling.

Ian

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: DickyD on September 25, 2009, 06:44:43 pm

You can make them yourself or buy them.

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/prop_shaft_accessories.htm

If you make them you have to solder a small brass tube onto your prop shaft tube then drill through your tube into prop shaft tube.

Dont use oil use the proper grease.

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/prop_shaft_accessories.htm

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: nemesis on September 25, 2009, 08:03:10 pm

Hi, if you are so concerned about pollution use vegetable oil ie Castor, if it is ok for Gold Stars it is
ok for a boat shaft
                               Nemesis

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: towboatjoe on September 25, 2009, 08:22:42 pm

I've always made my own shafts and used axle grease. I run all year without adding more grease.
I've done this since 1984 with no problems.

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: jaybeedee on September 26, 2009, 01:18:36 pm

Thanks guys - you've said enough to convince me to go the 'grease route'.
Jaybdee

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: Bryan Young on October 20, 2009, 07:58:51 pm

Perhaps not quite the end....I've mentioned this before on a (much) earlier post. Why go to all the trouble of soldering a "filler" tube onto the shaft tube? Just drill a hole into it in a conveneint place. Get a bit of plastic tube (bendable) and by fair means or foul make an adaptor for your grease gun or whatever. The hole is easily covered with a " Terry Clip" . Takes minutes and lasts forever. BY.

Title: Re: Oiling tube for prop shaft
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 20, 2009, 08:14:28 pm

That's OK Bryan provided you have reasonable access to the boat's innards. In my latest boat, the oiling tube is unavoidably situated beneathe the deck and is only accessible via a flexible plastic tube attached to the oiling point soldered to the propshaft tube and brought out to the nearest hatch aperture. Horses for courses I think.

Colin